Steve Bowey - 01.11.2018

Ashington FC manager Steve Bowey said his playing squad will be in a ‘confident and upbeat mood’ when they travel to face Stockton Town in the Buildbase FA Vase clash at the Bishopton Road West ground on Saturday (November 3).

The Colliers have scored 11 goals in their two Vase matches so far this term with a 6-2 thumping over Crook Town followed by a 5-0 away win over Nelson in Lancashire and Bowey added that they will have ‘no fear’ when they go head to head with Stockton - last season’s defeated finalists – come the 3pm kick-off: “Saturday becomes our most important game of the season,” he said, “We gave a good account our ourselves against them (Stockton) in the league fixture last season when the football was end to end and if we apply ourselves like we have done today at Whitley Bay, we will not be far away. We’ll have a light training session on Thursday and then go down to Teeside with a lot of confidence and no fear as we play on the 3G surface.”

Bowey believes the Ashington supporters can play a big part: “The tie is about the town, Ashington FC and the supporters enjoying the occasion and we as a management team have got to ensure the lads put on a performance,” he said. “These fans follow us from Penrith to West Auckland to Whitley Bay. They are what keeps the club alive and I take my hat off to them. Clubs are not clubs without support and we know we are going to have a massive turn out from the Ashington fans on Saturday.”

On the team news front Bowey added: “We will be strong. Gez Richardson and Jack Butler will be back in contention whilst we will closely monitor the fitness of Kyle Downey.”

If the game ends all square on Saturday – and extra time is compulsory after 90 minutes – then the replay will take place at Woodhorn Lane on Tuesday November 6 with a 7.30pm kick-off.